Astronomy Picture of the Day . Atlantis to Orbit . ... 17.01.2010 . ... Credit: NASA Explanation: Birds don't fly this high. ... The launch of a rocket bound for space is an event that inspires awe and challenges description. Pictured above , the Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off to visit the International Space Station during the early morning hours of 2001 July 12. ... Rockets bound for space are now launched from somewhere on Earth about once a week . ... January 2010 . ... 2001 2002 . ...